SOAR Counselors
SOAR counselors and staff are vital in preparing incoming freshmen and their families for their first semester at UNA. Your SOAR counselor will help you navigate the transition to college life and ensure a smooth and successful start to your college journey!
2025 Head SOAR Counselors
Spencer Ann Tuggle, Head Student SOAR - Group 1 Counselor

Hometown: Oak Grove, AL
Major: Nursing
"Hey, y'all! I am beyond excited to serve as the Head Student Counselor for SOAR. Being a SOAR counselor this past summer brought me some of the greatest friendships and memories, and I cannot wait to make more this summer! I love being a part of SOAR because I love having the opportunity to welcome incoming freshmen to the UNA family. I love this university and all of the people there. I'm so excited for the best summer ever! ROAR SOAR!"
Connell Cornelius, Head Family SOAR - Group A Counselor

Hometown: Rogersville, AL
Major: Instrumental Performance
“I'm probably the only person you know with the name Connell. I have been on the SOAR team for the past two years where I have served on Support Staff and as a Student Counselor. I grew up on a farm in Rogersville, AL and showed livestock from the ages of 3-18. I am planning on getting a Doctorate in Music and would like to teach at the college level.”
Student Counselors
Kennedy Key, Student Counselor- Group 2

Hometown: Scottsboro, AL
Major: Marketing
“Hey, y'all! My name is Kennedy, and I am so excited to be a SOAR counselor! A few fun facts about me are that I love to cook, read (especially Sarah J. Maas), and I have a twin sister who is also on the SOAR team. I can't wait to meet all of the new freshmen and transfer students and to be a friendly face around campus. ROAR SOAR!”
Emma Moore, Student Counselor - Group 3

Hometown: Muscle Shoals, AL
Major: Engineering
“Hey! My name is Emma, and I am so excited to be a SOAR Counselor this summer! I have grown up around UNA, and it never fails to take my breath away. Here's to a summer full of fun! ROAR SOAR!"
Brylee Hogan, Student Counselor - Group 4

Hometown: Killen, AL
Major: Nursing
“I am so excited to meet all of you! SOAR has been one of the best decisions of my college career, and I hope to show you why I LOVE calling UNA my home. A fun fact about me is that I am a Senior this year. My advice to you would be to come in with an open mind. You never know who you'll meet or what you'll learn!"
Nick Busbin, Student Counselor - Group 5

Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Major: Marketing
“Hey everybody! I am so excited for my first year of SOAR and to meet all of you! I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and moved to Roanoke, Alabama when I was 17. I can't wait to serve everyone and make your transition to college easier! ROAR LIONS!"
Savannah Young, Student Counselor - Group 6

Hometown: Alabaster, AL
Major: Mass Communication
“I am so excited to be one of your SOAR Counselors this year! I can't wait for the opportunity to welcome incoming students. Some fun facts about myself are that I competed in Miss UNA in 2025, I am part of the Presidential Mentors Academy, and I love the spin classes here! My dream job is to work in sports media."
Brantley Blaxton, Student Counselor - Group 7

Hometown: Hartselle, AL
Major: Early Childhood Education
“I am so excited to serve on the SOAR team this year! This organization means so much to me. Get excited - You have so many fun things to look forward to!"
Skye Mackenzie, Student Counselor - Group 8

Hometown: Port Alfred, South Africa
Major: Exercise Science
“I'm so excited for SOAR this year. I'm from South Africa so I may say some words a bit differently from the others, but that is ok because we are going to have so much fun! I can't wait to meet you and welcome to you to UNA!"
Krimsyn Jones, Student Counselor - Group 9

Hometown: Muscle Shoals, AL
Major: Professional Management
“Hello! I am so excited to serve on SOAR for a second year! Being a part of a university that provides so many fun and beneficial opportunities truly is the best part of being at UNA. As a Senior, I can't wait to welcome the Class of 2029!"
Madison Wennberg, Student Counselor - Group 10

Hometown: Winfield, AL
Major: Business Management
“I am so excited to be a SOAR counselor this year! I am from a small town and love meeting new people. I plan on attending law school after graduation and love staying involved on campus. UNA is like a second home to me! ROAR LIONS!"
Devin Hill, Student Counselor - Group 11

Hometown: Columbus, MS
Major: Psychology
“I am thrilled to be a part of the SOAR team to support your transition to college! Going through SOAR helped me connect with many friends and organizations, so I can't wait to be that resource for you. I hope to attend medical school after graduating and have plans to become a psychiatrist. I am so excited to meet you and hope to help make SOAR an unforgettable experience!"
Nick Wilder, Student Counselor - Group 12

Hometown:
Major: Pre-Health (Biology)
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Omarie Bartee, Student Counselor - Group 13

Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Major: Engineering Technology
“I'm excited for the opportunity to serve as a SOAR Counselor for a 3rd year. Being a part of SOAR has been one of the best parts of my college experience here at UNA. I look forward to seeing you this summer!"
Anitra Burk, Student Counselor - Group 14

Hometown: Decatur, AL
Major: Social Work
“Hey, y'all! I'm very excited to be on the student side of SOAR this year. UNA was the place that helped me form lifelong friendships, and I hope that when you're with me I can help you do the same!"
Carlos Pullen-Marks, Student Counselor - Group 15

Hometown: Leighton, AL
Major: Secondary Education
“What's up guys? My name is Carlos, and I am so excited for SOAR this year! I loved every second of it when I went through and I want to share my love of UNA with all of you. I can't wait to meet everyone and show you why UNA is home for so many!"
Anna Carpenter, Student Counselor - Group 16

Hometown: Decatur, AL
Major: Elementary Education
“Hey, guys! I am so excited to be serving as a Student Counselor this summer and can't wait to meet you! If I am your Counselor, get ready to have the best day! Some fun facts about me are that I love hanging out with my friends and going out to eat. ROAR SOAR!"
Family Counselors
Hannah Thomas, Family Counselor - Group B

Hometown: Florence, AL
Major: Accounting
“I am excited to be a part of SOAR because North Alabama is the best school! I want to encourage parents and students that they have chosen the right place! SOAR is great because it allows you to get a sneak peak at what is to come. My advice to incoming students is to connect with your professors and classmates as soon as possible. Fun fact: I make excellent lemon pound cake!"
Cadence Key, Family Counselor - Group C

Hometown: Scottsboro, AL
Major: Mass Communication
“Hey, y'all! I am so excited to be on the family side of SOAR this year and to meet so many new people! I love SOAR because I met some of my best friends there and it made me super excited to be on campus. One fun fact about me is that I have a twin sister who is a Student Counselor! There are so many amazing things about UNA and SOAR is just the beginning!"
Logan Dye, Family Counselor - Group D

Hometown: Oakman, AL
Major: Entertainment Industry
“Hey, I'm Logan, and I am so excited to spend the summer with you at SOAR! I'm a small-town guy from a city with one stoplight who somehow made it to Florence. I am a proud member of the UNA Marching Pride, and I play bass guitar in a group called South Layne. I'm an Entertainment Industry major, and my dream is to be a voice actor one day."
Briley Wise, Family Counselor - Group E

Hometown: Lester, AL
Major: Music Education
“Hi, everyone! I am so excited to be a part of SOAR again this year! I was a Support Staff member last year, and now I get to explore the family side! I'm a member of the UNA Marching Pride, where I play the flute and piccolo. I love being on SOAR! It is probably the most fun thing I do on campus. I encourage you to make the most of your time at UNA because it rocks here! See you at SOAR!"
Support Staff
Nicole Ballenger, Support Staff

Hometown: Dora, AL
Major: Social Work
“I am so pumped to be able to serve on the SOAR 2024-2025 team! I had so much fun at my SOAR, and it made me so excited to attend college. To incoming freshmen - Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and experience new things. A fun fact about me is that in 11th grade I won the Walker County Beef Cook-Off!"
Hannah Callahan, Support Staff

Hometown: Atoka, TN
Major: Nursing
“Hey guys! I am so excited to be a part of the SOAR team! I cannot wait to meet new people and make fun memories. I am a freshman nursing major, and I love it here at UNA! This is going to be such a fun summer!"
Savannah Gaertner, Support Staff

Hometown: Madison, AL
Major: Collaborative Education
“Hey, I'm Savannah! This is my first year on the SOAR team, and I'm so thrilled to be on it! I love UNA and am excited to show students and families the reasons why. A fun fact about me is that I love to bake!"
Taylor Mitchem, Support Staff

Hometown: Bay Minette, AL
Major: Biology
“This is my first year on the SOAR team, and I couldn't be more excited! I love getting to know new people, so I can't wait to meet everyone this summer! After getting my degree at UNA, I plan on going to veterinary school. I hope to also study abroad while at UNA!"